Home electronics products
Plan in advance to get a good price. Nearly 30 percent of the buyers of major appliances advice sought for purchase at retailers’ websites before purchasing the product.
Choose a store for its selection. Respondents who bought large appliances praised Abt Electronics and Pacific Sales, owned by Best Buy, having a wide selection. Home Depot received a low score for its selection of small and large appliances. Amazon generally received high marks from buyers of small appliances and was notable for its selection.
Consumers are looking for service. Independent retailers won high marks from buyers of large and small appliances. Abt received the highest rating of the buyers of major appliances and independent retailers received the highest score of the buyers of small appliances in physical stores. All other stores except Sears had low ratings.
Beware of guarantees. 83 percent of buyers said their major appliances payment at the cash did not end without a hint at least to buy an extended warranty. Consumer Reports does not recommend buying a warranty or service contract, because most of the repairs do not occur during the limited period covered by the extended warranty. Consumers who buy one should be sure they understand the terms, especially how it differs from the standard warranty and what years it covers.